Network system for distributing protected content

ABSTRACT

A system comprises a server module that stores identifiers of available content. A remote content provider transmits selected content to a network device from the available content based on a queue including a list of identifiers of content associated with the network device. The remote content provider stores the selected content on the network device in at least one of a hidden state and an unusable state. The remote content provider selectively changes the at least one of the hidden state and the unusable state to at least one of an unhidden state and a usable state, respectively, based on at least one of usage and storage status data of selected content previously changed to the at least one of the unhidden state and the usable state on the network device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/700,802, filed on Jan. 31, 2007, which claims)the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/884,757, filed on Jan. 12, 2007, and is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/384,571,filed on Mar. 20, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/085,761, filed on Mar. 21, 2005. Thisapplication is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/039,288,filed on Jan. 20, 2005. The disclosures of the above applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to networks, and more particularly tonetwork systems that allow secure distribution of protected content.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers often purchase video content on digital versatile discs(DVDs). A DVD player may be used to output the video content to atelevision (TV) or other video monitor. Some DVD players may include acarousel for allowing selection and play of one of a plurality of DVDs.In some situations, a consumer may want to view the DVD content on afirst TV in one room of the consumer's home when the DVD player islocated and connected to a second TV in another room. As a result, theDVD player needs to be disconnected from the second TV, moved to theroom with the first TV and reconnected to the first TV. Alternately, ifthe consumer has a second DVD player, the consumer moves the DVD to theother player.

One possible solution to this problem involves copying the DVD contentonto another DVD. DVD players typically include only one DVD player,which makes copying DVDs difficult. To copy the DVD, the user must copythe DVD contents to a hard drive system. Typically, copy protectionschemes such as digital rights management (DRM) prevent such copyingdespite the fact that some copying may be allowed under the copyrightlaws. This is due, in part, to the fact that the data is decryptedand/or decoded by the DVD player and is therefore in an unprotected formwhen it is output to other devices. This solution also requires anadditional DVD player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A network device includes a content requesting interface for addingdesired selected content to a queue associated with a remote contentprovider. Memory stores received selected content that is received fromthe remote content provider. A network interface provides at least oneof usage and storage status data relating to the received selectedcontent stored in the memory to the remote content provider, receivesadditional ones of the desired selected content in the queue from theremote content provider based on the at least one of the usage and thestorage status data of the received selected content in the memory, andstores the desired selected content received from the remote contentprovider as the received selected content in the memory. The storagestatus includes at least one of a hidden status, an erased status, andan amount of the received selected content stored in the memory.

In other features, the network interface receives the additional ones ofthe desired selected content asynchronously with respect to a userrequest. A system includes the network device and further includes atleast one of the queue and the remote content provider. The receivedselected content is stored in a hidden section of the memory and thereceived selected content becomes accessible to a user based on at leastone of a sequence of the desired selected content in the queue and theat least one of the usage and the storage status data.

In other features, the received selected content stored in the hiddensection of the memory has the hidden status. The status of the receivedselected content includes a period of time that the received selectedcontent is stored in the memory. The network interface receives thedesired selected content when the received selected content is erasedfrom the memory. A user at least one of views the desired selectedcontent, deletes the desired selected content, and modifies a sequenceof the desired selected content in the queue using the contentrequesting interface.

In other features, the received selected content is at least one oferased from the memory and moved to a hidden section of the memory afterat least one of a predetermined period and a predetermined number ofviewings. At least one of the network device and the remote contentprovider automatically erases the received selected content. The networkinterface receives the desired selected content when a user indicatesthat the received selected content is erased. The remote contentprovider determines whether the received selected content is erased. Theremote content provider periodically searches the memory to determinewhether the received selected content is erased.

In other features, the received selected content is transferable to aremovable storage medium based on an agreement between a user and theremote content provider. An Internet website implements the contentrequesting interface. A system includes the network device and furtherincludes an optical data storage system. A system includes the networkdevice and further includes at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD)system and a solid-state memory device.

A network device includes content requesting interface means for addingdesired selected content to a queue associated with a remote contentprovider, memory means for storing received selected content that isreceived from the remote content provider, and network interface meansfor providing at least one of usage and storage status data relating tothe received selected content stored in the memory means to the remotecontent provider, for receiving additional ones of the desired selectedcontent in the queue from the remote content provider based on the atleast one of the usage and the storage status data of the receivedselected content in the memory means, and for storing the desiredselected content received from the remote content provider as thereceived selected content in the memory means. The storage statusincludes at least one of a hidden status, an erased status, and anamount of the received selected content stored in the memory means.

In other features, the network interface means receives the additionalones of the desired selected content asynchronously with respect to auser request. A system includes the network device and further includesat least one of the queue and the remote content provider. The receivedselected content is stored in a hidden section of the memory means andthe received selected content becomes accessible to a user based on atleast one of a sequence of the desired selected content in the queue andthe at least one of the usage and the storage status data.

In other features, the received selected content stored in the hiddensection of the memory has the hidden status. The status of the receivedselected content includes a period of time that the received selectedcontent is stored in the memory means. The network interface meansreceives the desired selected content when the received selected contentis erased from the memory means. A user at least one of views thedesired selected content, deletes the desired selected content, andmodifies a sequence of the desired selected content in the queue usingthe content requesting interface means.

In other features, the received selected content is at least one oferased from the memory means and moved to a hidden section of the memorymeans after at least one of a predetermined period and a predeterminednumber of viewings. At least one of the network device and the remotecontent provider automatically erases the received selected content. Thenetwork interface means receives the desired selected content when auser indicates that the received selected content is erased. The remotecontent provider determines whether the received selected content iserased. The remote content provider periodically searches the memorymeans to determine whether the received selected content is erased.

In other features, the received selected content is transferable to aremovable storage medium based on an agreement between a user and theremote content provider. An Internet website implements the contentrequesting interface means. A system includes the network device andfurther includes an optical data storage system. A system includes thenetwork device and further includes at least one of a hard disk drive(HDD) system and a solid-state memory device.

A system for delivering content to a network device includes a contentrequesting interface, wherein a user selects desired content fromavailable content using the content requesting interface. A queue storesidentifiers of the desired selected content. A remote content provideris remote from the network device, communicates with the queue, andtransmits the desired selected content to the network device based on asequence of the identifiers of the desired selected content stored inthe queue and on at least one of usage and storage status dataassociated with received selected content stored on the network device.The storage status includes at least one of a hidden status, an erasedstatus, and an amount of the received selected content stored in thememory.

In other features, the network device receives the desired selectedcontent asynchronously with respect to a user request. The remotecontent provider transmits the desired selected content to the networkdevice when the user selects the desired selected content, the networkdevice stores the desired selected content as the received selectedcontent in a hidden section of the network device, and the receivedselected content becomes accessible to the user based on the at leastone of the usage and the storage status data.

In other features, the received selected content stored in the hiddensection of the memory has the hidden status. The storage status includesa period of time that the received selected content is stored on thenetwork device. The remote content provider transmits the desiredselected content when the received selected content is erased from thenetwork device. The user at least one of views the desired selectedcontent, deletes the desired selected content, and modifies a sequenceof the desired selected content in the queue using the contentrequesting interface. The received selected content is at least one oferased from the network device and moved to a hidden section of thenetwork device after at least one of a period of time and a selectednumber of viewings. At least one of the network device and the remotecontent provider automatically erases the received selected content.

In other features, the remote content provider transmits the desiredselected content when the user indicates that the received selectedcontent is erased. The remote content provider determines whether thereceived selected content is erased. The remote content providerperiodically searches the network device to determine whether thereceived selected content is erased. The received selected content istransferable to a removable storage medium based on an agreement betweenthe user and the remote content provider. An Internet website implementsthe content requesting interface. The network device includes an opticaldata storage system. The network device includes at least one of a harddisk drive (HDD) system and a solid-state memory device.

A system for delivering content to a network device includes contentrequesting interface means for providing access to a user and forselecting desired content from available content, queue means forstoring identifiers of the desired selected content, and remote contentprovider means for communicating with the queue means and fortransmitting the desired selected content to the network device based ona sequence of the identifiers of the desired selected content stored inthe queue means and further based on at least one of usage and storagestatus data of received selected content stored on the network device.The storage status includes at least one of a hidden status, an erasedstatus, and an amount of the received selected content stored in thememory means.

In other features, the network device receives the desired selectedcontent asynchronously with respect to a user request. The remotecontent provider means transmits the desired selected content to thenetwork device when the user selects the desired content, the networkdevice stores the desired selected content as the received selectedcontent, and the received selected content becomes accessible to theuser based on the at least one of the usage and the storage status data.The received selected content stored in the hidden section of the memoryhas the hidden status. The storage status includes a period of time thatthe received selected content is stored on the network device.

In other features, the remote content provider means transmits thedesired selected content when the received selected content is erasedfrom the network device. The user at least one of views the desiredselected content, deletes the desired selected content, and modifies asequence of the desired selected content in the queue means using thecontent requesting interface means. The received selected content is atleast one of erased from the network device and moved to a hiddensection of the network device after at least one of a period of time anda selected number of viewings. At least one of the network device andthe remote content provider means automatically erases the receivedselected content.

In other features, the remote content provider means transmits thedesired selected content when the user indicates that the receivedselected content is erased. The remote content provider means determineswhether the received selected content is erased. The remote contentprovider means periodically searches the network device to determinewhether the received selected content is erased. The received selectedcontent is transferable to a removable storage medium based on anagreement between the user and the remote content provider means. AnInternet website implements the content requesting interface means. Thenetwork device includes an optical data storage system. The networkdevice includes at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD) system and asolid-state memory device.

A method for receiving selected content from a remote content providerat a network device includes adding desired selected content to a queueassociated with a remote content provider, storing received selectedcontent that is received from the remote content provider in a memory,providing at least one of usage and storage status data relating to thereceived selected content stored in the memory to the remote contentprovider, receiving additional ones of the desired selected content inthe queue from the remote content provider based on the at least one ofthe usage and the storage status data of the received selected contentin the memory, and storing the desired selected content received fromthe remote content provider as the received selected content in thememory. The storage status includes at least one of a hidden status, anerased status, and an amount of the received selected content stored inthe memory.

In other features, the network device receives the desired selectedcontent asynchronously with respect to a user request. The methodfurther includes storing the received selected content in a hiddensection of the memory, and making the received selected contentaccessible to a user based on at least one of a sequence of the desiredselected content in the queue and the at least one of the usage and thestorage status data. The received selected content stored in the hiddensection of the memory has a hidden status. The storage status includes aperiod of time that the received selected content is stored at thenetwork device.

In other features, the network device receives the desired selectedcontent when the received selected content is erased from the networkdevice. A user at least one of views the desired selected content,deletes the desired selected content, and modifies a sequence of thedesired selected content in the queue at a content requesting interface.The received selected content is at least one of erased from the networkdevice and moved to a hidden section of the network device after atleast one of a predetermined period and a predetermined number ofviewings. At least one of the network device and the remote contentprovider automatically erases the received selected content.

In other features, the network device receives the desired selectedcontent when a user indicates that the received selected content iserased. The remote content provider determines whether the receivedselected content is erased. The remote content provider periodicallysearches the network device to determine whether the received selectedcontent is erased. The received selected content is transferable to aremovable storage medium based on an agreement between a user and theremote content provider. An Internet website implements the contentrequesting interface.

A system for providing selected content to a network device includes aqueue that stores identifiers of the selected content, wherein theselected content is selected from available content, and a remotecontent provider that transmits the selected content to the networkdevice. The network device receives and stores the selected content. Theselected content stored on the network device is at least one of hiddenfrom a user and unusable by the user. The selected content stored on thenetwork device becomes at least one of visible to the user and usable bythe user based on a sequence of the identifiers stored in the queue.

In other features, the selected content is stored in a hidden section ofthe network device. The selected content is transferred to a visiblesection of the network device when the selected content becomes visible.The network device includes a memory that stores the selected content.The memory includes at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD) and asolid-state memory device. The remote content provider transmits theselected content asynchronously with respect to a user request. The userselects the selected content at a content requesting interface.

In other features, the selected content becomes the at least one ofvisible to the user and usable by the user further based on a status ofreceived selected content stored at the network device. The status ofthe received selected content includes at least one of a number ofreceived selected content stored at the network device and a period oftime that the previous delivered selections are stored at the networkdevice. The selected content becomes the at least one of visible to theuser and usable by the user when the received selected content is erasedfrom the network device. The user at least one of views the selectedcontent, deletes the selected content, and modifies a sequence of theidentifiers stored in the queue using the content requesting interface.

In other features, the selected content is at least one of erased fromthe network device and moved to a hidden section of the network deviceafter at least one of a predetermined period and a predetermined numberof viewings. At least one of the network device and the remote contentprovider automatically erases the selected content. The selected contentbecomes the at least one of visible to the user and usable by the userwhen the user indicates that received selected content is erased. Theremote content provider determines whether the received selected contentis erased. The remote content provider periodically searches the networkdevice to determine whether the received selected content is erased. Theselected content is transferable to a removable storage medium based onan agreement between the user and the remote content provider. AnInternet website implements the content requesting interface.

A system includes a server module that stores identifiers of availablecontent. A remote content provider transmits selected content to anetwork device from the available content based on a queue including alist of identifiers of content associated with the network device. Theremote content provider stores the selected content on the networkdevice in at least one of a hidden state and an unusable state. Theremote content provider selectively changes the at least one of thehidden state and the unusable state to at least one of an unhidden stateand a usable state, respectively, based on at least one of usage andstorage status data of selected content previously changed to the atleast one of the unhidden state and the usable state on the networkdevice.

In other features, the selected content is stored in a hidden section ofthe network device. The selected content is transferred to an unhiddensection of the network device when the selected content becomes visibleto a user. The network device includes a memory that stores the selectedcontent. The memory includes at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD) anda solid-state memory device. The remote content provider transmits theselected content asynchronously with respect to a user request.

In other features, a user selects the selected content at a contentrequesting interface. The remote content provider changes the statefurther based on a sequence of the identifiers in the queue. The storagestatus data includes at least one of an amount of the selected contentstored on the network device and a period of time that the selectedcontent is stored on the network device. The remote content providerchanges the at least one of the hidden state and the unusable state tothe at least one of the unhidden state and the usable state when thepreviously changed selected content is erased from the network device.The user at least one of views the selected content, deletes theselected content, and modifies a sequence of the identifiers in thequeue at the content requesting interface.

In other features, the selected content is at least one of erased fromthe network device and moved to a hidden section of the network deviceafter at least one of a predetermined period and a predetermined numberof viewings. At least one of the network device and the remote contentprovider automatically erases the selected content. The remote contentprovider changes the at least one of the hidden state and the unusablestate to the at least one of the unhidden state and the usable statewhen the user indicates that the previously changed selected content iserased. The remote content provider determines whether the previouslychanged selected content is erased. The remote content providerperiodically searches the network device to determine whether thepreviously changed selected content is erased. The selected content istransferable to a removable storage medium based on an agreement betweena user and the remote content provider. An Internet website implementsthe content requesting interface.

A system includes server means for storing identifiers of availablecontent, remote content provider means for transmitting selected contentto a network device from the available content based on a queueincluding a list of identifiers of content associated with the networkdevice. The remote content provider means stores the selected content onthe network device in at least one of a hidden state and an unusablestate. The remote content provider means selectively changes the atleast one of the hidden state and the unusable state to at least one ofan unhidden state and a usable state, respectively, based on at leastone of usage and storage status data of selected content previouslychanged to the at least one of the unhidden state and the usable stateon the network device.

In other features, the selected content is stored in a hidden section ofthe network device. The selected content is transferred to an unhiddensection of the network device when the selected content becomes visibleto a user. The network device includes memory means for storing theselected content. The memory means includes at least one of a hard diskdrive (HDD) and a solid-state memory device. The remote content providermeans transmits the selected content asynchronously with respect to auser request. A user selects the selected content at a contentrequesting interface.

In other features, the remote content provider means changes the statefurther based on a sequence of the identifiers in the queue. The storagestatus data includes at least one of an amount of the selected contentstored on the network device and a period of time that the selectedcontent is stored on the network device. The remote content providermeans changes the at least one of the hidden state and the unusablestate to the at least one of the unhidden state and the usable statewhen the previously changed selected content is erased from the networkdevice. The user at least one of views the selected content, deletes theselected content, and modifies a sequence of the identifiers in thequeue at the content requesting interface.

In other features, the selected content is at least one of erased fromthe network device and moved to a hidden section of the network deviceafter at least one of a predetermined period and a predetermined numberof viewings. At least one of the network device and the remote contentprovider means automatically erases the selected content. The remotecontent provider means changes the at least one of the hidden state andthe unusable state to the at least one of the unhidden state and theusable state when the user indicates that the previously changedselected content is erased. The remote content provider means determineswhether the previously changed selected content is erased. The remotecontent provider means periodically searches the network device todetermine whether the previously changed selected content is erased. Theselected content is transferable to a removable storage medium based onan agreement between a user and the remote content provider means. AnInternet website implements the content requesting interface.

A method for providing selected content includes storing identifiers ofavailable content, selecting content from the available content,transmitting the selected content to a network device based on a queueincluding a list of identifiers of content associated with the networkdevice, storing the selected content on the network device in at leastone of a hidden state and an unusable state, and selectively changingthe at least one of the hidden state and the unusable state to at leastone of an unhidden state and a usable state, respectively, based on atleast one of usage and storage status data of selected contentpreviously changed to the at least one of the unhidden state and theusable state on the network device.

In other features, the method further includes selectively changing theat least one of the hidden state and the unusable state to the at leastone of the unhidden state and the usable state further based on asequence of the identifiers in the queue. Transmitting the selectedcontent includes transmitting the selected content asynchronously withrespect to a user request. Selecting the content includes selecting thecontent at a content requesting interface. The storage status data ofthe previously changed selected content includes at least one of anamount of selected content stored on the network device and a period oftime that the selected content is stored on the network device. At leastone of the hidden state and the unusable state is changed to the atleast one of the unhidden state and the usable state when the previouslychanged selected content is erased from the network device.

In other features, the user at least one of views the selected content,deletes the selected content, and modifies a sequence of the identifiersstored in the queue at the content requesting interface. The selectedcontent is at least one of erased from the network device and changed toat least one of the hidden state and the unusable state after at leastone of a predetermined period and a predetermined number of viewings.The at least one of the hidden state and the unusable state is changedto the at least one of the unhidden state and the usable state when theuser indicates that the previously changed selected content is erased.The method further includes periodically searching the network device todetermine whether the previously changed selected content is erased.

A computer program stored for use by a processor for operating a networkdevice includes adding desired selected content to a queue associatedwith a remote content provider, storing received selected content thatis received from the remote content provider in a memory, providing atleast one of usage and storage status data relating to the receivedselected content stored in the memory to the remote content provider,receiving additional ones of the desired selected content in the queuefrom the remote content provider based on the at least one of the usageand the storage status data of the received selected content in thememory, and storing the desired selected content received from theremote content provider as the received selected content in the memory.The storage status includes at least one of a hidden status, an erasedstatus, and an amount of the received selected content stored in thememory.

In other features, the network device receives the desired selectedcontent asynchronously with respect to a user request. The computerprogram further includes storing the received selected content in ahidden section of the memory, and making the received selected contentaccessible to a user based on at least one of a sequence of the desiredselected content in the queue and the at least one of the usage and thestorage status data. The received selected content stored in the hiddensection of the memory has the hidden status. The storage status includesa period of time that the received selected content is stored at thenetwork device.

In other features, the network device receives the desired selectedcontent when the received selected content is erased from the networkdevice. A user at least one of views the desired selected content,deletes the desired selected content, and modifies a sequence of thedesired selected content in the queue at a content requesting interface.The received selected content is at least one of erased from the networkdevice and moved to a hidden section of the network device after atleast one of a predetermined period and a predetermined number ofviewings. At least one of the network device and the remote contentprovider automatically erases the received selected content.

In other features, the network device receives the desired selectedcontent when a user indicates that the received selected content iserased. The remote content provider determines whether the receivedselected content is erased. The remote content provider periodicallysearches the network device to determine whether the received selectedcontent is erased. The received selected content is transferable to aremovable storage medium based on an agreement between a user and theremote content provider. An Internet website implements the contentrequesting interface.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a provider network device thatprovides protected digital content to one or more requester networkdevices in a local network;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a first exemplary networked DVDand HDD system according to the present invention that communicates witha modem;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a second exemplary networked DVDand HDD system according to the present invention that communicates witha modem;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a third exemplary networked DVDand HDD system according to the present invention that communicates witha modem;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a fourth exemplary networked DVDand HDD system according to the present invention that communicates witha modem;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary requester networkdevice including a HDD system;

FIG. 7A is a functional block diagram of an exemplary provider networkdevice including a DVD system with read-only operation;

FIG. 7B is a functional block diagram of an exemplary provider networkdevice including a DVD system with read-write operation;

FIG. 7C is a functional block diagram of a provider or requester networkdevice that includes a combined DVD/HDD system;

FIG. 8 illustrates user accessible and hidden sections of nonvolatilememory of the HDD of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9A-9D are flowcharts illustrating security steps performed by theprovider and/or requester network devices;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method for allowingplayback of a copy protected file from the requester network device Ntimes;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method for limiting theamount of time that a copy protected file stored on the requesternetwork device can be played;

FIG. 12A is a functional block diagram of a network including a mediaserver that serves protected content from a provider to a requester;

FIG. 12B is a functional block diagram of a network including a mediaserver that serves protected content from a DVD system to a HDD system;

FIG. 13 illustrates the media server in an exemplary networkconfiguration;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed by the media serveraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of a provider network device thatdetermines a local/remote status of a wireless network device such as aclient station;

FIGS. 16A-16E are functional block diagrams of a physical layer deviceof a wireless network device such as an access point or wireless networkinterface;

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of a provider network device thatincludes a wireless network interface;

FIG. 18A is a functional block diagram of a requester wireless networkdevice that communicates with a provider network device via one or morerepeaters;

FIG. 18B is a flowchart illustrating steps of an exemplary method foridentifying whether a requesting wireless network device iscommunicating via one or more repeaters;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed by a requesternetwork device for selectively removing restrictions;

FIGS. 20A-20D are functional block diagrams of a network including acontent requesting interface; and

FIGS. 21A-21E are flowcharts illustrating steps of exemplary methods fordelivering selected content.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses. As used herein, the term module or devicerefers to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), anelectronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memorythat execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinationallogic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide thedescribed functionality. For purposes of clarity, the same referencenumbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a local network 2 includes a router 3, a modem4, and a provider network device 5, which selectively provides protectedcontent 6 to one or more local requester network devices as will bedescribed below. The provider network device 5 is a network compatibledevice that includes a local network determining module 7. One or morerequester network devices 8-1, 8-2, . . . and 8-N (collectively referredto as requesters 8) selectively request copies of the protected content6. As can be appreciated, while the router 3 and wire line connectionsare shown, other network configurations will be apparent to skilledartisans including but not limited to wireless Access Points (AP),ad-hoc network connection configurations, and/or wireless networkconfigurations. While the provider network device 5 is shown to includememory such as nonvolatile memory for the protected content 6, theprotected content 6 may be stored internally and/or externally from theprovider network device 5.

The modem 4 is connected to a broadband service provider 9, whichprovides video content, digital content, a broadband connection to adistributed communications system (DCS) 10, and/or other networkservices. The service provider 9 may provide broadband access usingwired or wireless connections, coaxial cable, digital subscriber line(DSL), satellite and/or any other connection system or method.

The DCS 10 is connected by one or more servers 11-1, 11-2, and 11-M tonetwork devices 12-11, 12-12, . . . , 12-1P, 12-21, 12-22, . . . ,12-2P, . . . , and 12-M1, 12-M2, . . . , 12-MP (collectively referred toas network devices 12). The local network determining module 7selectively determines whether the requester network device has a localor remote status when the requester network device requests a copy ofthe protected content 6. This approach increases security by preventingaccess to the protected content by remote network devices.

There are many different ways for the local network determining module 7to determine the local/remote status of a requester network device. Forexample in some implementations, the provider network device 5determines local/remote status by determining the amount of time that isrequired to receive a response from the requester network device. If theresponse time is less than a predetermined period, then the requesternetwork device is determined to have a local status. If not, therequester network device has a remote status and the copy of theprotected content is denied. The amount of time that is required to sendand receive data via the service provider 9, DCS 10 and servers 11 tothe remote network devices 12 is significantly greater than the amountof timer required by a local requester network device to respond. Inother words, the predetermined period is set greater than the responsetime required by local requester network devices and less than theresponse time required by remote requester network devices.

In other implementations, the provider network device checks a dynamichost configuration protocol (DHCP) table in a DHCP server to determinemedium access control (MAC) addresses of local network devices. If therequester network device matches a local MAC address in the table, thenthe requester network device has a local status and the copy of theprotected content can be sent. If not, the requester network device hasa remote status and the copy of the protected content is not sent.

In still other implementations, the provider network device 5 may send amessage to the router 3 to temporarily block external ports of therouter 3 or modem 4 to the service provider 9 (and DCS 10). Afterblocking the external ports, the provider network device 5 determineswhether the requester network device is still able to communicate (whichwill be true if the requester network device has a local status). If theprovider network device can communicate with the requester networkdevice, the provider network device sends the copy protected content. Ascan be appreciated by skilled artisans, one or more of these approachesmay be combined and/or other approaches may be used to determine thelocal/remote status of the requester network device.

While portions of the following description employ a DVD system and/or acombined DVD/HDD system as the provider network device and anothernetwork device including a combined DVD/HDD system and/or a HDD systemas the requester network device, skilled artisans will appreciate thatother provider and/or requester network devices may be used. Skilledartisans will also appreciate that all of the implementations that aredescribed below in conjunction with DVD and HDD systems can beimplemented with any other suitable network devices.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a functional block diagram of a first exemplarynetworked DVD and HDD system is shown. A local network 13 includes amodem 14 that communicates over medium 16 with a service provider 18.The service provider 18 provides a connection to a distributedcommunications system (DCS) 22 such as the Internet, LAN, WAN, or otherdistributed network and/or provides other network services such as videocontent, telephone services and the like. The modem 14 can be connectedto a router 28, which connects multiple network devices 30-1, 30-2, . .. , and 30-N (collectively network devices 30) to the modem 14. One ofthe network devices 30-1 is connected to a hard disk drive (HDD) system34, which may be connected to a television or monitor 38. The televisionor monitor 38 may also be connected to the medium 16 either directly orthrough a set top box (not shown) and receive content from the serviceprovider 18.

The local network 13 may include an access point (AP) 40 thatcommunicates with the router 28 and one or more wireless stations 42-1,42-2, and 42-N (collectively wireless stations 42). While the AP 40 isshown connected to the router 28, the AP and router functions may becombined in a single device. Alternately, a combined AP/router may bedirectly connected to the modem 14. Still other types of networkconfigurations and connections will be apparent to skilled artisans.

The network device 30-2 communicates with the router 28 and with a DVDplayer or a combined DVD/HDD player 44 (both referred to hereinafter as“DVD player 44”) such as the one shown and described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/039,288, filed Jan. 19, 2005, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. The DVD player 44, in turn,may communicate with a television or monitor 46, which may be connectedto the medium 16 or to a set top box 50. The service provider 18provides broadband access to the DCS 22, video content and/or otherservices. One or more other servers 54-1 and 54-2, (collectively servers54) provide an interface for network devices 60, computers 62, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), etc. to the DCS 22.

In some implementations, the user of the television or monitor 38 maydesire access to DVD content associated with the DVD player 44.Initially, the HDD 34 may request a list of available content from theDVD player. The DVD sends a list of available content. The HDD 34 sendsa message to the DVD player 44 via the network requesting a copy ofcontent selected from the list. The DVD system determines whether theHDD system has a local status. If the HDD system or other requesternetwork device has local status, the content file is sent. If the HDDsystem or other requester network device has a remote status, therequest is denied. The local/remote status determination can be madebased upon response time, MAC addresses in the DHCP table, external portdisconnection and corresponding dialogue, and/or other suitable methods.

In some implementations, the DVD 44 responds by requesting a key fromthe HDD 34. The DVD 44 begins a timer that determines the amount of timethat is required by the HDD 34 to respond. The HDD 34 sends therequested key to the DVD 44. The DVD 44 determines whether the HDD 34responded within a predetermined amount of time.

If the HDD 34 responds within the predetermined amount of time, the DVD44 scrambles the selected content with the key and sends the scrambledcontent over the network to the HDD 34. The HDD 34 descrambles thecontent with the key and allows replay of the content at the televisionor monitor 38. As can be appreciated, the key exchange can also occurearlier when the HDD initially requests the list of available content.

The HDD 34 may also receive usage data from the DVD player thatconstrains use. For example, the usage data may allow N replays and/orreplay for a predetermined period. After the allowed usage period isover as specified in the usage data, the HDD 34 makes the video contentunavailable. For example, the HDD may delete the video content.

In some implementations, the HDD 34 includes a user accessible sectionand a hidden section. The video content from the DVD 44 is stored in thehidden section of the DVD 44. The key that is provided by the HDD 34 maybe part of a public/private key encryption system and/or other suitabledata encryption. Alternately other forms of key-based scrambling can beperformed.

If the DVD player is a single DVD player, the DVD sends a list ofcontent available on the DVD in the DVD player. If the DVD playerincludes a carousel, the DVD player sends a list of DVD contentavailable from DVDs in the carousel. If the DVD player is a combinedDVD/HDD player, the DVD/HDD player sends a list of DVD content availableon the DVD or DVDs in the player along with DVD content stored on theassociated HDD.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, various exemplary configurations of thepresent invention are shown. In these implementations, the providernetwork device includes a DVD system and/or a combined DVD/HDD systemand the requester network device includes a HDD system and/or a combinedDVD/HDD system. In FIG. 3, the HDD 34 is connected to the network by thestation 42-1, which wirelessly communicates with the AP 40. The DVD 44and television 46 are connected by the network device 30-2 and medium 16to the router 28. In FIG. 4, the HDD 34 is connected by the networkdevice 30-1 and medium 16 to the router 28. The DVD 44 is connected tothe network by the station 42-2, which wirelessly communicates with theAP 40. In FIG. 5, the HDD 34 and DVD 44 are connected by one or morestations 42-1 and/or 42-2 to the network. Various other networkconfigurations will be apparent to skilled artisans.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary requester network device includesa HDD system 110 with a HDD PCB 114. A buffer 118 stores read, writeand/or volatile control data that is associated the control of the HDDsystem 110. The buffer 118 usually employs volatile memory having lowlatency. For example, SDRAM or other types of low latency memory may beused. Nonvolatile memory 119 such as flash memory may also be providedto store critical data such as nonvolatile control code.

A processor 122 arranged on the HDD PCB 114 performs data and/or controlprocessing that is related to the operation of the HDD system 110. Ahard disk control module (HDC) 126 communicates with an input/outputinterface 124 and with a spindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver or module130 and/or a read/write channel module 134. The HDC 126 coordinatescontrol of the spindle/VCM driver 130, the read/write channel module 134and the processor 122 and data input/output with a host 135 via theinterface 124.

During write operations, the read/write channel module 134 encodes thedata to be written onto a read/write device 159. The read/write channelmodule 134 processes the write signal for reliability and may apply, forexample, error correction coding (ECC), run length limited coding (RLL),and the like. During read operations, the read/write channel module 134converts an analog read signal output of the read/write device 159 to adigital read signal. The converted signal is then detected and decodedby known techniques to recover the data that was written on the HDD.

A hard disk drive assembly (HDDA) 150 includes one or more hard driveplatters 152 that include magnetic coatings that store magnetic fields.The platters 152 are rotated by a spindle motor that is schematicallyshown at 154. Generally the spindle motor 154 rotates the hard driveplatter 152 at a controlled speed during the read/write operations. Oneor more read/write arms 158 move relative to the platters 152 to readand/or write data to/from the hard drive platters 152. The spindle/VCMdriver 130 controls the spindle motor 154, which rotates the platter152. The spindle/VCM driver 130 also generates control signals thatposition the read/write arm 158, for example using a voice coilactuator, a stepper motor or any other suitable actuator.

The read/write device 159 is located near a distal end of the read/writearm 158. The read/write device 159 includes a write element such as aninductor that generates a magnetic field. The read/write device 159 alsoincludes a read element (such as a magneto-resistive (MR) element) thatsenses the magnetic field on the platter 152. The HDDA 150 includes apreamp circuit 160 that amplifies the analog read/write signals. Whenreading data, the preamp circuit 160 amplifies low level signals fromthe read element and outputs the amplified signal to the read/writechannel module 134. While writing data, a write current is generatedthat flows through the write element of the read/write device 159. Thewrite current is switched to produce a magnetic field having a positiveor negative polarity. The positive or negative polarity is stored by thehard drive platter 152 and is used to represent data.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an exemplary provider network deviceincludes a DVD system 210. A DVD PCB 214 includes a buffer 218 thatstores read data, write data and/or volatile control code that isassociated the control of the DVD system 210. The buffer 218 may employvolatile memory such as SDRAM or other types of low latency memory.Nonvolatile memory 219 such as flash memory can also be used forcritical data such as data relating to DVD write formats and/or othernonvolatile control code. A processor 222 arranged on the DVD PCB 214performs data and/or control processing that is related to the operationof the DVD system 210. The processor 222 also performs decoding of copyprotection and/or compression/decompression as needed. A DVD controlmodule 226 communicates with an input/output interface 224 and with aspindle/feed motor (FM) driver 230 and/or a read/write channel module234. The DVD control module 226 coordinates control of the spindle/FMdriver, the read/write channel module 234 and the processor 222 and datainput/output via the interface 224.

During write operations, the read/write channel module 234 encodes thedata to be written by an optical read/write (ORW) or optical read only(OR) device 259 to the DVD platter. The read/write channel module 234processes the signals for reliability and may apply, for example, ECC,RLL, and the like. During read operations, the read/write channel module234 converts an analog output of the ORW or OR device 259 to a digitalsignal. The converted signal is then detected and decoded by knowntechniques to recover the data that was written on the DVD.

A DVD assembly (DVDA) 250 includes a DVD platter 252 that stores dataoptically. The platter 252 is rotated by a spindle motor that isschematically shown at 254. The spindle motor 254 rotates the DVDplatter 252 at a controlled and/or variable speed during the read/writeoperations. The ORW or OR device 259 moves relative to the DVD platter252 to read and/or write data to/from the DVD platter 252. The ORW or ORdevice 259 typically includes a laser and an optical sensor.

For DVD read/write and DVD read only systems, the laser is directed attracks on the DVD that contain lands and pits during read operations.The optical sensor senses reflections caused by the lands/pits. In someDVD read/write (RW) applications, a laser may also be used to heat a dielayer on the DVD platter during write operations. If the die is heatedto one temperature, the die is transparent and represents one binarydigital value. If the die is heated to another temperature, the die isopaque and represents the other binary digital value. Other techniquesfor writing DVDs may be employed.

The spindle/FM driver 230 controls the spindle motor 254, whichcontrollably rotates the DVD platter 252. The spindle/FM driver 230 alsogenerates control signals that position the feed motor 258, for exampleusing a voice coil actuator, a stepper motor or any other suitableactuator. The feed motor 258 typically moves the ORW or OR device 259radially relative to the DVD platter 252. A laser driver 261 generates alaser drive signal based on an output of the read/write channel module234. The DVDA 250 includes a preamp circuit 260 that amplifies analogread signals. When reading data, the preamp circuit 260 amplifies lowlevel signals from the ORW or OR device and outputs the amplified signalto the read/write channel module device 234.

The DVD system 210 further includes a codec module 240 that encodesand/or decodes video such as any of the MPEG formats. Audio and/or videodigital signal processors and/or modules 242 and 244, respectively,perform audio and/or video signal processing, respectively.

As with the HDD system 110, portions of the DVD system 210 may beimplemented by one or more integrated circuits (IC) or chips. Forexample, the processor 222 and the DVD control module 226 may beimplemented by a single chip. The spindle/FM driver 230 and/or theread/write channel module 234 may also be implemented by the same chipas the processor 222, the DVD control module 226 and/or by additionalchips. Most of the DVD system 210 other than the DVDA 250 may also beimplemented as a SOC.

Referring now to FIG. 7C, a simplified functional block diagram of anexemplary combined DVD/HDD system 280 according to some implementationsof the present invention is shown. The combined DVD/HDD system can beused as a provider or requester network device. The combined DVD/HDDsystem 280 includes a combined system control module 284 thatcommunicates with nonvolatile memory 290 and volatile memory 292, whichstored data for both DVD and HDD operation. The system control module284 communicates via an interface 294 with an interface 296 of a host298. In some implementations, the interfaces 294 and 296 are serial ATAinterfaces, Fiber Channels (FC), serial attached small computer systeminterfaces (SAS), or other suitable interfaces.

The combined DVD/HDD system controls both DVD and HDD systems. TheDVD/HDD system reduces overall system cost and provides improvedfunctionality and performance. Cost is reduced through the use of asingle DRAM and flash memory for both the DVD and HDD data storage. Asingle power supply and a reduced number of external connections arerequired, which further reduces cost.

In addition, the unified DVD/HDD system allows copy protected content tobe copied bit-by-bit to directly to the HDD. In other words, the copyprotected content can be copied without decrypting the copy protectionscheme or digital rights management (DRM) and without requiringsignificant operating system involvement. Conventional separate DVD andHDD systems require the DVD to decode/decrypt the DRM or other copyprotection prior to output. The DRM or other copy protection may or maynot allow subsequent copying to the HDD. By combining the systems,additional functionality is provided due to the built-in security of thecopy protection or DRM scheme since the DRM or copy protection remainsintact. For example, single DVD drive copy operations are supportedwithout removal of the copy protection or DRM. Additionally, the HDD canoperate as a virtual DVD changer. Still other variations of the combinedDVD/HDD system are shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/039,288, filed on Jan. 19, 2005.

Referring now to FIG. 8, partitioning of the nonvolatile memory 300 ofthe HDD into user accessible and hidden areas according to someimplementations is shown. The nonvolatile memory 300 of the HDD isallocated into a first portion 304 that is user accessible and a secondportion 308 that is not user accessible (or hidden). The second hiddenportion 308 is used in one or more of the following ways according tosome implementations of the invention. The hidden portion 308 is used tostore the contents of a DVD that is to be copied. In addition, thehidden portion 308 of the HDD is used to provide a virtual DVD carousel.In other words, multiple DVDs may be copied to the HDD and played backat a later date.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, steps performed by the network devices areshown. Control begins in step 350. In step 352, control determineswhether the provider network device receives a request for a copy ofprotected content. If not, control returns to step 352. If step 352 istrue, control determines whether the requester network device is locatedon the local network in step 354. If step 354 is false, control deniesthe request and returns to step 352. If step 354 is true, the providernetwork device sends a copy of the protected content to the requesternetwork device.

The provider network device determines whether the requester networkdevice is on the local network in any suitable fashion. For example, aresponse time of the requester network device can be compared to apredetermined threshold. In other implementations, the provider networkdevice can temporarily request that the external ports of the router ormodem be blocked so that the provider network device can confirm thelocal/remote status of the requester network device before the filesent. In other implementations, a local server can be queried todetermine the local network devices. Still other methods for determininglocal/remote status may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, steps for determining local/remote status bytemporarily blocking an external port are shown. Control begins withstep 360. In step 362, control determines whether the provider networkdevice receives a request for a copy protected file. If step 362 isfalse, control returns to step 362. If step 362 is true, controlcontinues with step 364 where the provider network device requests theexternal ports of the router or modem to be blocked. In step 368, theprovider network device determines whether the requester network devicehas a local status. For example, the provider network device may send amessage to the requester network device and wait for a response. If step368 is false, the provider network device denies the request and controlreturns to step 362. If step 368 is true, the provider network devicesends a copy of the file to the requester network device in step 370.The provider network device unblocks the external connection or port ofthe router or modem in step 374.

Referring now to FIG. 9C, steps for consulting a local server (such as aDHCP server) to determine the local/remote status are shown. Controlbegins with step 380. In step 382, control determines whether theprovider network device receives a request for a copy protected file. Ifstep 382 is false, control returns to step 382. If step 382 is true,control continues with step 384 where the provider network devicequeries the server for identification of local network devices. Theidentification can include MAC addresses although other identificationtypes can be used. In step 386, the provider network device determineswhether the requester network device has a local status. If step 386 isfalse, the provider network device denies the request and controlreturns to step 382. If step 386 is true, the provider network devicesends a copy of the file to the requester network device in step 388.

Referring now to FIG. 9D, steps performed by the network system areshown generally at 400. In step 402, control begins. In step 404, theprovider network device determines whether a requester network devicerequests a copy of the content. If not, control returns to step 404.Otherwise control continues with step 408 and the provider networkdevice requests a key from the requester network device. In step 412,the provider network device starts a timer.

In step 416, the provider network device determines whether the key isreceived. If the key is not received and (in some implementations) thepredetermined period has not been exceeded, control continues with step416. Otherwise, control continues with step 420 and the provider networkdevice stops the timer. In step 422, control determines whether thetimer is less than a predetermined period.

In some implementations, the predetermined period is less than or equalto the amount of time that a packet would require to travel one or twohops. By limiting the response time, additional security is provided.The amount of time that would be required for a computer or other deviceoutside of the home network to respond will exceed the predeterminedperiod. In other words, a packet containing a key from a computer suchas computer 62 or other network device such as network device 60 that isconnected outside of the home network will exceed one or two hops. Thisis due to the time required to pass through the modem and the serviceprovider.

If step 422 is false, control returns to step 404. If step 422 is true,the provider network device encrypts or scrambles the content with thekey and sends the encrypted or scrambled content over the network to therequesting device in step 426 and control continues with step 404.

Referring now to FIG. 10, steps of a method for allowing playback of acopy protected file from the requester network device N times are shown.Control begins with step 600. In'step 602, control determines whethercopy protected files have been stored on the requester network device.If not, control returns to step 602. It step 602 is true, control setsN=1 for the file in step 604. In step 606, control determines whetherthe copy protected file stored on requester network device has beenplayed. If step 606 is false, control returns to step 606. If step 606is true, control increments N in step 610. In step 614, controldetermines whether N=N_(max). If step 614 is false, control returns tostep 606. If step 614 is true, control deletes or otherwise makes thecopy protected file unavailable from the requester network device instep 618 and control returns to step 602.

Referring now to FIG. 11, steps of a method for limiting the amount oftime that a copy protected file stored on the requester network devicecan be played are shown. Control begins with step 640. In step 644,control determines whether the copy protected file has been stored onthe requester network device. If step 644 is false, control returns tostep 644. Otherwise, control continues with step 646 and sets a timer.In step 648, control determines whether the timer is up. If step 648 isfalse, control returns to step 648. If step 648 is true, control deletesthe copy protected file from the requester network device in step 652and control continues with step 644. While a timer is described, anyusage measurement and/or comparison may be performed. For example, adate and/or time stamp may be used and compared to current data and/ortime. Still other usage data types will be apparent to skilled artisans.

Referring now to FIG. 12A, a media server 700 can be used to serveprotected content from a provider 702 to a requester 704. While a routeris shown connecting the media server 700, the provider 702 and therequester 704, other network configurations and connections may be usedsuch as but not limited to ad-hoc network modes, peer to peer modes, andother approaches. In some implementations, the media server includes alocal/remote status determining module 701, as previously describedabove. The media server 700 provides a list of available content to therequester 704. The requester 704 requests content. The media server 700confirms that the requester is on the local network in any of the waysdescribed above. If the requester 704 is on the local network, the mediaserver 700 requests the content from the provider 702. The provider 702sends the content directly to the requester 704 or to the the mediaserver 700, which sends the content to the requester 704.

Referring now to FIGS. 12B and 13, the media server 700 serves protectedcontent from a DVD system 710 to a HDD system 712. The DVD system 710and the HDD system 712 can be implemented as described in theembodiments set forth above. In FIG. 13, the media server 700 can beimplemented in a network as shown. Other network configurations such asthose described herein as well as other network configurations arecontemplated. The media server can be connected to the network in awired or wireless manner.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a flowchart illustrating steps performed bythe media server according to the present invention are shown. Controlbegins in step 720. In step 722, control determines whether the serverreceives a request for a copy of a protected file from the requester. Iffalse, control returns to step 722. If true, the media server determineswhether the requester has a local status. The local status of therequester may be determined in any of the ways described above. If true,the server requests the file from the provider and sends the file to therequester. Alternately, the provider may send the file directly to therequester.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a provider network device 5 determines alocal/remote status of a wireless network device that is requestingprotected content. The provider network device 5 may communicate with anaccess point 800 via the router 3. The access point 800 may include aphysical layer (PHY) device 802, which provides an interface with thewireless medium, and a medium access control (MAC) device 804, whichprovides an interface between the physical layer device 802 and a hostdevice.

The physical layer device 802 may determine at least one of a link speedof a link with a client station, a signal quality of a link with theclient station, a link distance to the client station and/or a linkdirection to the client station. The wireless access point 800 includesan antenna system 805 that may include one or more antennas. Forexample, the antenna system may be a multiple-in, multiple out (MIMO)antenna system. If multiple antennas are used, the physical layer device802 may selectively determine a direction that the client station islocated with respect to the access point 800 and forward the directioninformation to the provider network device 5. The physical layer device802 may determine the direction based on triangulation techniques and/orusing other approaches.

For example, the wireless network device may include a client station810-1. The client station 810-1 includes a physical layer (PHY) device812-1, which provides an interface with the wireless medium. The clientstation 810-1 also includes a medium access control (MAC) device 814-1,which provides an interface between the physical layer device 812-1 anda host such as a laptop, personal digital assistant and/or any othersuitable device. Additional client stations 812-2 and 812-3(collectively client stations 812) also may establish wireless linkswith the wireless access point 800. The wireless access point 800 mayalso determines link speed, signal quality, link distance and/or linkdirection with the client stations 812-2 and 812-3 when they requestaccess to protected content.

The wireless access point 800 may selectively transmit the link speed,signal quality, link distance and/or link direction for thecorresponding client stations 810 to the local network determiningmodule 7. The local network determining module 7 compares the linkspeed, signal quality, link distance and/or link direction with apredetermined threshold and/or adaptive threshold and makes a decisionas to whether the particular client station 810 is local or remote. Ifthe client station 810 is local, the protected content may be sent tothe client station 810 as described above. If the client station 810 isremote, the protected content is not sent to the client station 810and/or further verification steps may be performed.

The link speed and/or signal quality of the link between the wirelessaccess point 800 and the client station 810 tends to decrease as afunction of a distance between the wireless access point 800 and theclient station 810. Therefore, when the client station 810 requestsaccess to protected content (requester network device), the providernetwork device can evaluate whether the client station is local orremote. Thus, the provider network device 5 can limit fraudulentrequests for the protected content. While the exemplary embodiment shownin FIG. 15 relates to an infrastructure mode wireless network, an ad-hocmode wireless network can also be used.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the provider network device 5 can include awireless network interface 850, which includes a physical layer device852 and a medium access control (MAC) device 854. The wireless networkinterface 850 can operate as an access point/router in an infrastructuremode, as a client station in an ad-hoc configuration, and/or in anyother suitable network configuration.

FIGS. 16A-16E are functional block diagrams of exemplary physical layerdevices for wireless network devices such as an access point or wirelessnetwork interface. The physical layer device 802 may include a link ratedetermining module 820 as shown in FIG. 16A. The link rate determiningmodule 820 determines the link rate that data is transmitted by theclient station 810 to the access point 800 and forwards the link rateinformation to the provider network device 5. The physical layer device802 may include a link signal quality determining module 830 as can beseen in FIG. 16B that estimates the signal Express Mail Label No. EV 522879 134 US quality of the link and forwards the'signal qualityinformation to the provider network device. Signal quality can beestimated based on a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), bit orpacket error rates and/or other suitable criteria.

In FIG. 16C, the physical layer device 802 may include a link directiondetermining module 840. The link direction determining module 840 mayuse triangulation (for example using multiple antennas) and/or othertechniques to determine a direction that the client station is locatedrelative to the physical layer device 802. The physical layer device 802forwards the link direction information to the local network determiningmodule 7. For example, the access point may be located adjacent to anouter wall of a building. If a client station 810 is located in adirection that would be inside of the building, then additional speed,distance and/or signal quality determinations can be made to determinewhether the client station is local or remote. However, if the clientstation 810 is located in a direction that would be outside of thebuilding, the client station 810 can be classified as remote withoutfurther analysis. The link direction, link distance, link signal qualityand/or link data rate estimates can also be estimated in the mediumaccess control (MAC) device of the access point, network interfaceand/or in the provider network device.

In FIG. 16D, the physical layer device 802 may include a link distancedetermining module 850 that estimates a distance to the client station810. The distance may be estimated based on the amount of time requiredto send and/or receive data between the access point 800 and clientstation 810.

In FIG. 16E, the physical layer device may generate 802 two or more ofthe link direction, link speed, link distance and link signal qualityestimates. The provider network device may determine a local/remotestatus based on two or more of the estimates.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A and 18B, the provider network device maydetermine the local/remote status of a requesting wireless networkdevice by determining whether the signal from the requesting wirelessnetwork device was received via a repeater and/or more than R repeaters,where R is an integer greater than one. The use of one or more repeatersmay be an indication that the requesting wireless network device doesnot have a local status.

In FIG. 18A, a requester wireless network device 900 communicates with aprovider network device 910 via one or more repeaters 902-1, . . . , and902-R, where R is an integer greater than 0. In this exemplaryimplementation, the provider network device 910 communicates with therequesting wireless network device 900 in an infrastructure mode via anaccess point 904 and a router 906. However, an ad-hoc mode may also beused. The provider network device 910 determines whether the requesternetwork device is communicating via one or more repeaters and/or thenumber of repeaters that are being used. The provider network device 910determines a local/remote status of the requester network device basedon the repeater determination.

For example, some provider network devices may determine that therequester network device is remote if any repeaters are used. In otherexemplary networks, the provider network device may determine therequester network device is remote if more than R repeaters are used,where R is greater than one. The provider network device 910 may sensewhether repeaters are used using any suitable method. For example. Theprovider network device may use a time required for acknowledgement(ACK) from the requester network device as one criterion.

In FIG. 18B, is a flowchart illustrating steps of an exemplary methodfor identifying whether a requesting wireless network device iscommunicating via one or more repeaters. Control begins with step 920.In step 924, control determines whether the local or remote status of arequester network device needs to be determined. If true, controlcontinues with step 926 and starts a timer.

In step 928, control sends a message to a requester network device. Instep 930, control determines whether an acknowledgment (ACK) has beenreceived from the requester network device. If not, control determineswhether the timer is less than a maximum threshold T_(thmax) in step934. If true, control returns to step 930. It step 930 is true, controlstops the timer in step 940. In step 942, control determines whether thetimer is less than a second threshold T_(th). If true, control continueswith step 944 and sets the status equal to local for the requesternetwork device. It step 942 is false or step 934 is false, controlcontinues with step 946 and sets the status of the requester networkdevice equal to remote. Control ends in step 950.

Referring now to FIG. 19, steps of the method for operating therequester network device are shown. The requester network device mayinitially request access to content that may be rented by a providernetwork device. When the restrictions relating to the content expire atthe requester network device, the requester network device may requestaccess to the content again. If the provider network device grantsaccess M times, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2, it maybe fair to assume that the provider network device now has ownership ofthe content and unlimited access by the requester network device may beacceptable.

Control begins with step 960. In step 964, control determines whetherthe requester network device has received content with restrictions. Ifstep 964 is true, control continues with step 966 and stores therestrictions. Control sets a counter N=1. In step 970, control appliesthe restrictions. In step 974, control determines whether therestrictions have expired. If false, control returns to step 974.Otherwise, control continues with step 978 and determines whether theuser requests the same content again. If not, control returns to step978. It step 978 is true, control determines whether the requesternetwork device receives approval. If true, control increments N in step986. In step 990, control determines whether N is greater than or equalto M, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. If step 990 isfalse, control returns to step 970 continues to apply the restrictions.In step 990 is true, control continues with step 994 and removes therestrictions for the content.

Referring now to FIG. 20A, a content requesting interface 1000 can beused to request and queue desired protected content. The desiredprotected content is added to a queue 1002 and delivered from a remotestorage location, such as a remote content provider 1004.

The content requesting interface 1000 may include, but is not limitedto, an interface such as an Internet website (or other DCS) located on aserver 1006. A user of the local network 13 may select (and browse)desired protected content from available content at the contentrequesting interface 1000. In other words, the user may access thecontent requesting interface 1000 with devices including, but notlimited to, a desktop personal computer (PC) 1008, a laptop PC 1010, amobile phone 1012, a personal digital assistant (PDA) 1014, and atelevision 1016. Each of the devices may include a user interface (UI)1018 for remotely interacting (via a wired or wireless medium) with thecontent requesting interface 1000. For example, the UI 1018 may include,but is not limited to, a web browser or another remote browsinginterface. The content requesting interface 1000 may employ loginprocedures (e.g. usernames and/or passwords).

The desktop PC 1008 may be connected to the content requesting interface1000 via a modem 14, a broadband service provider 18, and a DCS 22.Similarly, the laptop PC 1010 may be connected to the content requestinginterface 1000 via a modem 14, the broadband service provider 18, andthe DCS 22. The mobile phone 1012 may be connected to the contentrequesting interface 1000 via a cellular network 1020 (and/or a wirelessnetwork 1022) and the DCS 22. The PDA 1014 may be connected to thecontent requesting interface 1000 via the wireless network 1022 and theDCS 22. The TV 1016 may be connected to the content requesting interface1000 via an STB 50 and the DCS 22.

When the user of the local network 13 selects desired protected content(i.e. selected content) via the content requesting interface 1000 usingthe UI 1018 of one of the devices, the selected content is added to thequeue 1002 for that user. For example, the queue 1002 may store anidentifier of the selected content rather than an entire file includingthe selected content. In the present implementation, the queue 1002(i.e. the stored contents of the queue) is stored on the server 1006. Inother implementations, the queue 1002 may be stored at another remotelocation such as another remote computer or server connected to the DCS22 (as shown in FIGS. 2-5) and/or at the local network 13.

The selected content may be added to the queue 1002 based on userinteraction with the content requesting interface 1000 and/or viainteraction with the local network 13. The local network 13 mayincorporate (e.g. provide access to) the content requesting interface1000. The queue 1002 may be integrated with, stored on, and/or incommunication with the remote content provider 1004 or the local network13. The user may view contents of the queue 1002, delete selections fromthe queue 1002, and change a sequence of the selected contents of thequeue 1002 via the content requesting interface 1000.

The remote content provider 1004 sequentially and asynchronously (i.e.not on demand) provides the selected content in the queue 1002 to thelocal network 13 via the DCS 22. For example, the remote contentprovider 1004 may include memory that stores all of the contentavailable (i.e. selectable) to the user. In the present implementation,the remote content provider 1004 is located on the server 1006. In otherimplementations, the remote content provider may be located on anotherremote server or a local server. The remote content provider 1004remotely caches and distributes the selected content to the localnetwork 13 in an order that the user selected the content (e.g. in afirst in first out manner) based on the queue 1002. In other words, theremote content provider 1004 does not provide the selected content atthe same time that the user makes the request (i.e. on demand) butinstead caches and delivers the selected content to the local networkbased on the queue 1002.

The remote content provider 1004 sequentially delivers the selectedcontent to the local network 13 based on the contents of the queue 1002as described above. The delivered content is accessible to the user ofthe local network 13 as previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-14.For example, the delivered content may be viewable a certain number oftimes or for a particular amount of time. Alternatively, there may be nolimitations on terms of use of the delivered content. Certain selectedcontent may be transferable to a DVD or other transportable (i.e.removable) digital or other storage medium based on an agreement betweenthe user of the local network and the remote content provider 1004.

Hence, the remote content provider 1004 selectively and sequentiallydelivers the selected content to the local network 13 based on thecontents of the queue 1002. In particular, the remote content provider1004 delivers the selected content asynchronously with respect to userrequests (i.e. not on demand). For example, the remote content provider1004 may deliver a next selection in the queue 1002 after a previouslydelivered selection is viewed a predetermined number of times or for apredetermined period (e.g. one week after the previously deliveredselection is viewed). In another implementation, a viewed selection maybe automatically erased from the local network 13, moved to a hiddensection of the local network 13, or otherwise made unusable by the userafter a period of time. The next selection in the queue 1002 isdelivered to the local network 13 when the previously viewed selectionis erased.

The user of the local network 13 may erase the viewed selection at anytime and indicate that the viewed selection is erased at the contentrequesting interface 1000. The remote content provider 1004 may searchthe local network to determine whether the indicated selection is erasedand subsequently deliver the next selection. The remote content provider1004 may continuously or periodically check the local network 13 forpresence of the delivered content notwithstanding any action taken bythe user. Alternatively, the local network 13 can send a message to theremote content provider 1004 indicating that the previously deliveredselection is erased. The remote content provider 1004 automaticallydelivers the selected content when the remote content provider 1004determines that the previously delivered selection is erased.

The remote content provider 1004 may deliver the selected content basedon status of received selected content on the local network 13. Forexample, the remote content provider may deliver the selected contentbased on a number of delivered selections located on the local network13. The user of the local network 13 may be permitted to possess acertain number of delivered selections at a given time (e.g. threeselections). The remote content provider 1004 will not deliver any ofthe selected content in the queue 1002 until the number of deliveredselections on the local network 13 is less than the permitted number.When the user erases any of the received selected content (i.e. thepreviously delivered content), the remote content provider 1004automatically delivers additional selected content based on the queue1002. For example, when the user erases two received selected content,the remote content provider 1004 automatically delivers the next twoselections in the queue 1002.

The selected content in the queue 1002 may be automatically delivered tothe local network 13 when queued at the content requesting interface1000. The delivered content is cached at the local network 13 and is notinitially accessible (e.g. visible and/or usable) to the user. Forexample, the delivered content may be stored to a hidden section of theHDD 34 as described in FIG. 2. The user may be unaware that thedelivered content is being stored on the HDD 34. Alternatively, thedelivered content may be visible to the user, but unusable (i.e.inaccessible). When any previously viewed content is erased, thedelivered content becomes available to the user based on the sequence ofthe content in the queue 1002. For example, the remote content provider1004 may communicate with the local network 13 to make the deliveredcontent accessible (e.g. to move the content from the hidden section tothe user accessible section of the HDD 34 as described in FIG. 2). Inthis manner, the user of the local network 13 does not have to wait forthe remote content provider 1004 to deliver the selected content fromthe queue 1002 when other criteria are met (e.g. when access to thedelivered content is otherwise permitted based on the number ofpermitted selections).

The asynchronous delivery of the selected content may also implementload balancing. For example, the remote content provider 1004 maydeliver the selected content to the local network 13 during specific lowtraffic periods. In one implementation, the remote content provider 1004delivers the selected content to the local network 13 during a specifictime period (e.g. a known low traffic time period) or when traffic isbelow a threshold. Initially, the selected content is stored to thehidden section of the HDD 34. When any previously viewed content iserased, the delivered content becomes available to the user based on thesequence of the content in the queue 1002.

Referring now to FIGS. 20B-20D, other implementations of the contentrequesting interface 1000 are shown. As shown in FIG. 20B, the contentrequesting interface 1000 and the queue 1002 are located on the server1006. The remote content provider 1004 is located on another server1024. For example, the server 1024 may be a local server that is locatedcloser to the local network 13.

As shown in FIG. 26C, a server 1026 stores available content 1028. Whenthe selected content is added to the queue 1002, the selected content istransmitted to the remote content provider 1004 from the availablecontent 1028 on the server 1026. For example, the remote contentprovider 1004 may send a request for selected content to the server 1026based on the contents of the queue 1002. In other words, the remotecontent provider 1004 does not store all of the available content 1028and instead stores only the selected content.

As shown in FIG. 20D, the user may access the content requestinginterface 1000 via the local network 13. For example, the user mayaccess the content requesting interface 1000 via the use interface 1018of the laptop PC 1010. The laptop PC 1010 is connected to the contentrequesting interface 1000 via the network device 30-N.

As described above with respect to FIGS. 20A-20D, the content requestinginterface 1000 is shown to asynchronously (i.e. asynchronously withrespect to user requests) deliver selected content to the local network13 based on the contents of the queue 1002. Those skilled in the art canappreciate that the selected content may be delivered synchronously incertain situations. For example, when the queue 1002 is empty and thereare no received selected content (or less than the permitted number ofselections) present on the local network 13, a particular selection maybe delivered immediately when the user adds the selection to the queue1002.

Those skilled in the art can appreciate that other networkconfigurations such as those described herein, as well as other networkconfigurations, are contemplated.

Referring now to FIGS. 21A-21E, various methods for delivering selectedcontent are described. Referring now to FIG. 21A, a method 1100 fordelivering selected content begins in step 1102. The user of the localnetwork 13 selects desired content in step 1104. The desired content isadded to the queue 1002 in step 1106. The remote content provider 1004determines whether the selected content is ready (e.g. permitted) to bedelivered to the local network 13 in step 1108. For example, the remotecontent provider 1004 may determine whether a number of deliveredselections on the local network 13 is less than a maximum permittednumber of selections. If true, the method 1100 continues to step 1110.If false, the method 1100 continues to step 1108. In step 1110, theremote content provider 1004 delivers (or otherwise makes accessible)the selected content to the local network 13 based on a sequence of theselected content in the queue 1002.

Referring now to FIG. 21B, a method 1120 for delivering selected contentbegins in step 1122. The user of the local network 13 selects desiredcontent in step 1124. The content requesting interface 1000 adds thedesired content to the queue 1002 in step 1126. The remote contentprovider 1004 determines a number M of delivered selections M that arepresent on the local network 13 in step 1128. For example, the remotecontent provider 1004 continuously or periodically searches the localnetwork 13 to determine M (e.g. to determine whether received selectedcontent was erased). In another implementation, the local network 13determines the number of delivered selections M. The remote contentprovider 1004 determines whether M is less than a permitted number N ofdelivered selections in step 1130. If true, the method 1120 continues tostep 1132. If false, the method 1120 continues to step 1128. In step1132, the remote content provider 1004 delivers the next selection ofthe selected content to the local network 13 based on a sequence of theselected content in the queue 1002.

Referring now to FIG. 21C, a method 1140 for delivering selected contentbegins in step 1142. The user of the local network 13 selects desiredcontent in step 1144. The desired content is added to the queue 1002 instep 1146. The user indicates that received selected content was erasedat the content requesting interface 100 in step 1148. The remote contentprovider 1004 determines whether the received selected content waserased in step 1150. In other words, the remote content provider 1004attempts to confirm that the received selected content was erased. Iftrue, the method 1140 continues to step 1152. If false, the method 1140continues to step 1154. In step 1152, the remote content provider 1004delivers the next selection of the selected content to the local network13 based on a sequence of the selected content in the queue 1002. Instep 1154, the remote content provider 1004 sends a message to the userindicating that the received selected content was not erased. Forexample, the remote content provider 1004 may send a message to thecontent requesting interface 1000 indicating that the User needs toerase the received selected content.

Referring now to FIG. 21D, a method 1160 for delivering selected contentbegins in step 1162. The user of the local network 13 selects desiredcontent in step 1164. The desired content is added to the queue 1002 instep 1166. The local network 13 determines whether received selectedcontent was erased in step 1168. If true, the method 1160 continues tostep 1170. If false, the method 1160 continues to step 1168. In step1170, the local network 13 sends a message to the remote contentprovider 1004 that the received selected content was erased. In step1172, the remote content provider 1004 delivers the next selection ofthe selected content to the local network 13 based on a sequence of theselected content in the queue 1002.

Referring now to FIG. 21E, a method 1180 for delivering selected contentbegins in step 1182. The user of the local network 13 selects desiredcontent in step 1184. The desired content is added to the queue 1002 instep 1186. The remote content provider 1004 delivers one or more of theselections in the selected content to the local network 13 in step 1188.For example, the selected content may be stored in a hidden section ofthe HDD 34 as described in FIG. 2. The remote content provider 1004 (orthe local network 13) determines whether any received selected contentwas erased in step 1190 (e.g. as described previously in FIGS. 21A-21D).If true, the method 1180 continues to step 1192. If false, the method1180 continues to step 1190. In step 1192, the remote content provider1004 or the local network 13 makes the delivered selected content on thelocal network 13 available to the user based on a sequence of theselected content in the queue 1002. For example, the local network 13may move the selected content to a user accessible section of the HDD 34as described in FIG. 2.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings of the present invention can beimplemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention hasbeen described in connection with particular examples thereof, the truescope of the invention should not be so limited since othermodifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon astudy of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.

1. A system comprising: a server module that stores identifiers ofavailable content; a remote content provider that transmits selectedcontent to a network device from the available content based on a queueincluding a list of identifiers of content associated with the networkdevice, wherein: the remote content provider stores the selected contenton the network device in at least one of a hidden state and an unusablestate; and the remote content provider selectively changes the at leastone of the hidden state and the unusable state to at least one of anunhidden state and a usable state, respectively, based on at least oneof usage and storage status data of selected content previously changedto the at least one of the unhidden state and the usable state on thenetwork device.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected content isstored in a hidden section of the network device.
 3. The system of claim2 wherein the selected content is transferred to an unhidden section ofthe network device when the selected content becomes visible to a user.4. The system of claim 1 wherein the network device includes a memorythat stores the selected content.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein thememory includes at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD) and asolid-state memory device.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the remotecontent provider transmits the selected content asynchronously withrespect to a user request.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein a userselects the selected content at a content requesting interface.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the remote content provider changes the statefurther based on a sequence of the identifiers in the queue.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein the storage status data includes at least oneof an amount of the selected content stored on the network device and aperiod of time that the selected content is stored on the networkdevice.
 10. The system of claim 8 wherein the remote content providerchanges the at least one of the hidden state and the unusable state tothe at least one of the unhidden state and the usable state when thepreviously changed selected content is erased from the network device.11. The system of claim 7 wherein the user at least one of views theselected content, deletes the selected content, and modifies a sequenceof the identifiers in the queue at the content requesting interface. 12.The system of claim 1 wherein the selected content is at least one oferased from the network device and moved to a hidden section of thenetwork device after at least one of a predetermined period and apredetermined number of viewings.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein atleast one of the network device and the remote content providerautomatically erases the selected content.
 14. The system of claim 1wherein the remote content provider changes the at least one of thehidden state and the unusable state to the at least one of the unhiddenstate and the usable state when the user indicates that the previouslychanged selected content is erased.
 15. The system of claim 14 whereinthe remote content provider determines whether the previously changedselected content is erased.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein theremote content provider periodically searches the network device todetermine whether the previously changed selected content is erased. 17.The system of claim 1 wherein the selected content is transferable to aremovable storage medium based on an agreement between a user and theremote content provider.
 18. The system of claim 7 wherein an Internetwebsite implements the content requesting interface.
 19. A systemcomprising: server means for storing identifiers of available content;remote content provider means for transmitting selected content to anetwork device from the available content based on a queue including alist of identifiers of content associated with the network device,wherein: the remote content provider means stores the selected contenton the network device in at least one of a hidden state and an unusablestate; and the remote content provider means selectively changes the atleast one of the hidden state and the unusable state to at least one ofan unhidden state and a usable state, respectively, based on at leastone of usage and storage status data of selected content previouslychanged to the at least one of the unhidden state and the usable stateon the network device.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the selectedcontent is stored in a hidden section of the network device.
 21. Thesystem of claim 20 wherein the selected content is transferred to anunhidden section of the network device when the selected content becomesvisible to a user.
 22. The system of claim 19 wherein the network deviceincludes memory means for storing the selected content.
 23. The systemof claim 22 wherein the memory means includes at least one of a harddisk drive (HDD) and a solid-state memory device.
 24. The system ofclaim 19 wherein the remote content provider means transmits theselected content asynchronously with respect to a user request.
 25. Thesystem of claim 19 wherein a user selects the selected content at acontent requesting interface.
 26. The system of claim 19 wherein theremote content provider means changes the state further based on asequence of the identifiers in the queue.
 27. The system of claim 26wherein the storage status data includes at least one of an amount ofthe selected content stored on the network device and a period of timethat the selected content is stored on the network device.
 28. Thesystem of claim 26 wherein the remote content provider means changes theat least one of the hidden state and the unusable state to the at leastone of the unhidden state and the usable state when the previouslychanged selected content is erased from the network device.
 29. Thesystem of claim 25 wherein the user at least one of views the selectedcontent, deletes the selected content, and modifies a sequence of theidentifiers in the queue at the content requesting interface.
 30. Thesystem of claim 19 wherein the selected content is at least one oferased from the network device and moved to a hidden section of thenetwork device after at least one of a predetermined period and apredetermined number of viewings.
 31. The system of claim 30 wherein atleast one of the network device and the remote content provider meansautomatically erases the selected content.
 32. The system of claim 19wherein the remote content provider means changes the at least one ofthe hidden state and the unusable state to the at least one of theunhidden state and the usable state when the user indicates that thepreviously changed selected content is erased.
 33. The system of claim32 wherein the remote content provider means determines whether thepreviously changed selected content is erased.
 34. The system of claim33 wherein the remote content provider means periodically searches thenetwork device to determine whether the previously changed selectedcontent is erased.
 35. The system of claim 19 wherein the selectedcontent is transferable to a removable storage medium based on anagreement between a user and the remote content provider means.
 36. Thesystem of claim 25 wherein an Internet website implements the contentrequesting interface.
 37. A method for providing selected content,comprising: storing identifiers of available content; selecting contentfrom the available content; transmitting the selected content to anetwork device based on a queue including a list of identifiers ofcontent associated with the network device; storing the selected contenton the network device in at least one of a hidden state and an unusablestate; and selectively changing the at least one of the hidden state andthe unusable state to at least one of an unhidden state and a usablestate, respectively, based on at least one of usage and storage statusdata of selected content previously changed to the at least one of theunhidden state and the usable state on the network device.
 38. Themethod of claim 37 further comprising selectively changing the at leastone of the hidden state and the unusable state to the at least one ofthe unhidden state and the usable state further based on a sequence ofthe identifiers in the queue.
 39. The method of claim 37 whereintransmitting the selected content includes transmitting the selectedcontent asynchronously with respect to a user request.
 40. The method ofclaim 37 wherein selecting the content includes selecting the content ata content requesting interface.
 41. The method of claim 37 wherein thestorage status data of the previously changed selected content includesat least one of an amount of selected content stored on the networkdevice and a period of time that the selected content is stored on thenetwork device.
 42. The method of claim 41 wherein the at least one ofthe hidden state and the unusable state is changed to the at least oneof the unhidden state and the usable state when the previously changedselected content is erased from the network device.
 43. The system ofclaim 40 wherein the user at least one of views the selected content,deletes the selected content, and modifies a sequence of the identifiersstored in the queue at the content requesting interface.
 44. The systemof claim 37 wherein the selected content is at least one of erased fromthe network device and changed to at least one of the hidden state andthe unusable state after at least one of a predetermined period and apredetermined number of viewings.
 45. The method of claim 37 wherein theat least one of the hidden state and the unusable state is changed tothe at least one of the unhidden state and the usable state when theuser indicates that the previously changed selected content is erased.46. The method of claim 37 further comprising periodically searching thenetwork device to determine whether the previously changed selectedcontent is erased.